5-Year-Old Spots Mistake in Southwest Manual, Earns VIP Trip

Colorado boy's keen eye lands him tour of airline's Dallas headquarters.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 5-year-old Colorado boy named William Hines, who loves planes, recently spotted a mistake in a Southwest Airlines training manual. His observant eye caught that two "terrain monitors" in a cockpit panel picture didn't match. As a reward, Southwest flew Hines and his family to the airline's headquarters in Dallas, giving them the VIP treatment, including letting Hines climb into a flight simulator.

Why it matters

This story highlights how a young child's curiosity and attention to detail can be rewarded, even by a major corporation. It also showcases Southwest's commitment to engaging with its youngest customers and fostering the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

The details

William Hines, who isn't even in kindergarten yet, was looking through a Southwest Airlines training manual when he noticed that two "terrain monitors" depicted in a cockpit panel picture did not match. His parents had recently arranged for a Southwest pilot to visit their home and show William some aviation equipment. Impressed by the young boy's keen eye, Southwest invited William and his family to their Dallas headquarters, where they received the VIP treatment, including letting William climb into a flight simulator.

  • William Hines spotted the manual mistake recently.
  • Southwest flew the Hines family to Dallas headquarters.

The players

William Hines

A 5-year-old boy in Colorado who loves planes and spotted a mistake in a Southwest Airlines training manual.

Southwest Airlines

The major U.S. airline that rewarded William Hines' observant eye by flying him and his family to their Dallas headquarters for a VIP tour.

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What they’re saying

“We're always impressed when our youngest customers show such passion for aviation. William's attention to detail is remarkable, and we were thrilled to invite him and his family to experience our headquarters.”

— Southwest Airlines spokesperson (walls102.com)

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates how a corporation can foster the next generation of aviation enthusiasts by rewarding a young child's curiosity and keen observation skills. It's an inspiring example of how companies can create meaningful connections with their youngest customers.